Kara Lindsay to Star as 'Mary Poppins'

Grammy Nominee and Paper Mill Playhouse Alumna

Kara Lindsay

To Star As

MARY POPPINS

Kicking Off Paper Mill’s 2026-2027 Season This Fall

Performances Begin Wednesday, November 18

Opening Sunday, November 22

Single Tickets Go On Sale August 24

www.papermill.org

MILLBURN, NJ – August 13, 2026 – Paper Mill Playhouse (Mark S. Hoebee, Producing Artistic Director; Michael Stotts, Executive Director), recipient of the Regional Theatre Tony Award, is thrilled to announce that Kara Lindsay (Newsies, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical) will lead the cast of Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins in the titular role this fall, opening Paper Mill’s 88^th season in Millburn, New Jersey. Mary Poppins begins performances Wednesday, November 18 ahead of a Sunday, November 22 opening night at Paper Mill Playhouse (22 Brookside Drive, Millburn, NJ), in a run continuing through Sunday, January 3.

Mary Poppins will be directed by Paper Mill Producing Artistic Director Mark S. Hoebee, choreographed by Denis Jones, and Ben McNaboe will serve as music director. Additional casting and the complete creative team will be announced at a later date.

"We are delighted to welcome back the brilliant Kara Lindsay to Paper Mill Playhouse for Mary Poppins, the first show of our 2026-2027 season," said Mark S. Hoebee, Paper Mill Playhouse's Producing Artistic Director. "Kara has a long history with us, performing in numerous Paper Mill Playhouse productions including our world premiere of Newsies, which was a pivotal production for Paper Mill and a show that holds a special place in our hearts here. It has been a joy to see her career flourish over the years, and we are delighted to have her amazing talent shine once again on the Paper Mill stage."

Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s Mary Poppins is a spectacular musical filled with wonder, wit, and unforgettable songs. When the mysterious nanny arrives at the Banks household, she brings adventure, imagination, and a little discipline to two mischievous children. Featuring beloved classics like “A Spoonful of Sugar,” “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious,” and “Step in Time,” the show is a dazzling blend of heart, humor, and breathtaking stage magic. Mary Poppins is a joyful theatrical experience that reminds us anything can happen if you let it.

Mary Poppins is based on the stories of P. L. Travers and the Walt Disney Film and features a book by Julian Fellowes, original music and lyrics by Richard M. Sherman and Robert B. Sherman, and new songs and additional music and lyrics by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe.

This production of Mary Poppins is licensed by Music Theatre International.

KARA LINDSAY is best known for originating the role of Katherine Plumber in Disney’s Newsies on Broadway, later reprising the role in the 2017 Newsies feature film, now streaming on Disney+. Kara has maintained a strong relationship with Disney throughout her career, including appearances as a soloist on ABC’s “The Disney Family Singalong: Volume II” and Schoolhouse Rock! 50th Anniversary Celebration. She is also known as one of Wicked’s longest-running Glindas, both on Broadway and the National Tour.

Kara starred in the Broadway company of Beautiful: The Carole King Musical as Cynthia Weil. Kara was also seen in the Broadway production of Once Upon a Mattress at the Hudson Theatre, and she most recently starred as Michele in Romy & Michele: The Musical Off-Broadway.

Kara began her career playing Laura Ingalls Wilder opposite Melissa Gilbert in the Guthrie Theater production and National Tour of Little House on the Prairie: The Musical. She has also appeared at North Carolina Theatre as Mary Poppins in Mary Poppins. She has appeared in numerous regional productions around the country, including the Muny’s Shrek, Sacramento Music Circus’ Singin’ in the Rain as Kathy Selden, Kansas City Rep’s Cabaret as Sally Bowles, and 5th Avenue Theater’s Lone Star Love as Miss Ann Page. Additional credits include multiple productions at Paper Mill Playhouse, including Newsies, A Jolly Holiday, and Little House on the Prairie. Kara has also appeared on the television series “Murphy Brown” among others.

TICKETING INFORMATION

Paper Mill Playhouse offers three- and four-show subscription packages, available now starting at just $120 per person. Each subscription package includes a different level of special benefits – see www.PaperMill.org for details. Accessibly priced youth subscriptions are available for those 18 years old and under with the purchase of an adult subscription. Access Services pricing is available exclusively for those patrons using wheelchair seating, audio description, open captioning, or ASL-interpreting services.

Subscriptions may be purchased online at www.PaperMill.org, by calling (973) 376-4343, or in person at the Millburn box office (open Monday-Saturday, 12-6pm). Tickets to individual shows will go on sale beginning August 24.

Following Mary Poppins, Paper Mill’s upcoming 2026-2027 season will feature Ken Ludwig’s Lend Me A Tenor, Million Dollar Quartet, and Dear Evan Hansen.